A BASILDON artist who uses satire and surrealism to tackle topics of queer and trans identity and public life is set to hold their first solo exhibition. 

Maz Murray will be showcasing their work at Focal Point Gallery. 

The artist and filmmaker will be showcasing newly commissioned and recent work looking at everything from theme parks to club nights and shopping centres. 

Maz repurposes music video, TV documentary, talk show, social media content and cinema. 

The exhibition, part of FPG x Jerwood Presents, is made possible by Jerwood Developing Artists Fund, which has been awarded to Focal Point Gallery for 2024–25.

Building on Maz’s recent short films and writings, this immersive installation will include sets, props and moving image, reflecting on storytelling and pop culture as living archive.

A particular focus will be the figure of the Principal boy in pantomime, historically played by a woman in drag, which continues to be an archetype found in music hall and mummers’ plays.

Maz aims to draw parallels between the right to roam and the right to self-expression, by exploring journeys across time and place – from country to town to suburb to city – and the enclosure of ‘othered’ identities.

A spokesman for Focal Point Gallery said: "The Jerwood Developing Artists Fund provides grants for arts organisations to deliver development programmes for early-career artists, makers, curators and producers in all artforms across the UK, offering transformative, opportunities for individuals at a critical moment in their practice.

"The funds will support the production of two first solo institutional exhibitions of two early-career artists working in and across artforms, with additional professional development opportunities, resources and mentoring at a pivotal point of their career.

"This partnership builds on Focal Point Gallery’s commitment and reputation for identifying and supporting the most innovative early-career artist."